In The Still of the Night [The Protectors 2] (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Monroe, Marla

  She looked up the line of his body to watch him position a pillow behind his back so he could watch her. He rested his hands on either side of him on the bed. One brow went up as he waited for her to take him into her mouth. She licked her lower lip and watched his face as she lowered her mouth over him. His lids fell to half mast when her wet mouth slowly encased him as far as she could go. She sucked hard on the way back up and let him go with an audible pop. He smiled down at her. With one hand, she held him at the base of the stalk and the other slid down to his balls where she manipulated them carefully.

  She licked with the flat of her tongue up to the crown of his mushroom-shaped head then licked around the underside of the cap. He groaned when she ran her tongue along the slit on top. He rewarded her with a drop of salty pre-cum. She rolled it around in her mouth, savoring it. Then she sucked just the top of him in her mouth and pulled upward with the suction of her mouth. He groaned and wrapped her hair in one hand.

  “Stop teasing me, and suck my cock.”

  She hummed around him and swallowed him down until he hit the back of her throat. She swallowed again and then pulled upward. His hand tightened in her hair and pulled at it enough to sting her scalp. She swallowed him again and reveled in the grunting sound he made. She knew she was getting to him as he leaked cum now for her with each upward pull of her mouth. She gently squeezed his balls then raked her nails over them. Now he raised his hips to meet her when she went down on him.

  “That’s it, baby. Your hot mouth has me so close. I’m going to fill your throat with my cum. I want you to drink it all.” Riley pulled on her hair again.

  Faster and harder, Jenna sucked until she felt his balls draw up in her hand, and he held her head as he pumped into her mouth.

  “I’m going to come. Suck me dry.”

  He erupted into her mouth, and she fought to swallow all of him. He yelled out and pumped his seed into her mouth. She slowly brought him down and then licked the top of his cock. He sat up and ran a thumb over the corner of her mouth and held it up for her to suck a bit of his essence from it. He smiled at her.

  “That was damn good, baby. How about a shower?”

  Jenna stretched and looked over at the clock then groaned.

  “It’s only two in the morning. How about we go back to sleep and take a shower in the morning?”

  “Hmm, I can do that.”

  She crawled up the bed on her hands and knees. Riley grabbed her and kissed her nose. Jenna rolled over to curl up on her side. He played with her hair and massaged her scalp until finally, she fell back asleep.

  * * * *

  Riley woke slowly with the weight of someone curled up around his body. Images of the night before filled his head. Jenna. He’d come over to confront her about not calling him about Todd. He’d told her to let him know if the bastard bothered her anymore. It didn’t matter that they’d fought a few nights before. She still should have called him.

  He leaned up a few inches and breathed in her scent, soft like summer rain. He ran his hand down her hair then pulled it aside so he could rub her back. She made an appreciatory sound that rumbled against his chest. Her breasts rubbed lightly over his chest. He was sure his chest hair rasped against her nipples. Her legs moved, and one knee lightly grazed his balls. He held his breath.

  “Watch your knee. I rather like my balls just like they are, in working order.”

  “Mmm, sorry.” She stretched out her leg and then rolled off him to stretch. He watched her and grew hard at the sight.

  “I’m going to go start coffee. Then I want that shower you promised me.” Jenna sat up on the edge of the bed and stretched again.

  “You keep doing that and you’re going to be flat on your back with me buried so deep, you taste me in the back of your throat.” Riley growled.

  “That’s right, threaten me.” She laughed and jumped up when he lunged toward her.

  He watched her disappear through the bedroom door before he groaned and got out of bed. They needed to talk. He wasn’t looking forward to it. She would not be happy. Perhaps the sex would make it easier. He heaved out a sigh. Not hardly.

  She returned a few minutes later and started the shower. He followed her into the bathroom and watched as she set out towels. Then she reached in and checked the water temperature. She smiled up at him.

  “Water’s ready. I’ll wash your back, and you can wash mine.”

  They both stepped into the shower and let the water cascade over them. Then Riley scooted her to the back so he could shield most of the water from getting into her face. He scrubbed her back then ran it around in circles, soothing her skin before reaching around her to massage the soap into her breasts.

  “Nope. No shower sex. I’m hungry for food right now. Hand me the cloth so I can finish bathing then I’ll leave the shower to you,” she said over her shoulder.

  “Sorry, but I have other ideas.” He ran his soapy hands down her stomach and back up to play with her nipples.

  Her moan caused him to smile. She aroused so damn easy. She reached around and took hold of his cock, and he stilled. So she wanted to play that way. He was game. He turned her around and shoved his hand between her legs searching for her clit with his soapy fingers. She grasped his cock in her hands and pumped her hand up and down it while caressing his balls. He located her clit and began gently petting it. She drew in a deep breath. Then she began pulling on him in an attempt to distract him, he was sure. It nearly worked. He bent down and took her mouth, keeping the fingers of one hand busy with her pussy while his other hand played with her breast. His mouth devoured hers. He sucked on her tongue then ran his tongue around the inside of her mouth. She moaned and lost her rhythm momentarily.

  Still, it wasn’t long before he felt the signs of his eminent release. She was going to win this little game. Actually, they both would win. He smiled, barring his teeth. God, she was driving him crazy. He didn’t need to let her get under his skin. He would be leaving soon.

  She ran her thumb around the underside of his cock then squeezed his balls, and his climax took him by surprise. He shouted out and braced himself on the tile on either side of her head. His cum coated her belly. She leaned her head against his chest, laughing.

  “Men are so easy.”

  “Watch out,” he said around pants.

  He finally straightened up and turned her around to the shower, pulling her back enough to keep the water out of her face.

  “Wash off then go fix me my breakfast, woman.”

  “You owe me, Riley. I aim to collect, too.” She finished washing and stepped out of the shower to dry off.

  Riley stuck his head out of the shower. “I’ll take care of you, don’t worry.” Then he returned to the dwindling hot water and hurriedly cleaned up.

  By the time he had dried off and pulled on his jeans, she had the batter for pancakes whipped up and bacon in the oven. He smiled at her attire. She had on an oversized T-shirt and a pair of shorts. She looked like a little girl in it. When he entered the kitchen, her gaze drifted across his bare chest and down to where he hadn’t bothered to button his jeans.

  “Like what you see?” he teased.

  “Um hum.”

  He watched as she checked the bacon. “We still need to talk.”

  She answered him without looking up. “After we eat.”

  Thirty minutes later, they had finished eating. He watched as she loaded the dishwasher then wiped her hands on a towel after washing them. When she turned around, he saw the resignation in her eyes. She expected this to be as difficult as he knew it would be. She walked into the living room and collapsed on the couch. He eyed the chair across the coffee table but chose to sit next to her instead.

  “Why didn’t you tell me about Todd contacting you?” he asked.

  “Because I didn’t think it was your business. I really thought you would already be gone anyway.”

  “I’m not leaving until he gets the message that you are off limits.” Where in the
hell had that come from?

  “You’ve got to be kidding. You can’t just come in here and yell at me about something that’s not your concern then fuck me and leave again,” she yelled, standing up.

  “Sit back down. You’re the only one yelling right now.” Riley stood up and towered over her.

  “I have a right to yell. You’re butting into my business.”

  “You made it my business when you let me in your bed.” He struggled to keep from raising his voice, too.

  You seduced me into having sex with you,” she pushed.

  “And you’re a grown woman who can say no. You didn’t want to say no.”

  “I think it’s time you left.” She jammed her hands on her hips.

  He nearly smiled. She looked ridiculous standing in that T-shirt with her hands on her hips. He advanced on her until she backed up. He reached out to pull her toward him, and she flinched. It stopped him. She actually thought he would hit her. It floored him. He had never hit a woman in his life. That she thought him capable shook him. He swallowed and drew in a deep breath. Then he turned and walked back to the bedroom to finish dressing. She was right. He needed to leave.

  She was still standing in the same place but had her arms wrapped around herself. She didn’t say anything when he unlocked the door and opened it. He hesitated in the door way.

  “I would never hurt you. I don’t hit women.” Then he walked out without shutting the door.

  He heard it close and the locks engage as he walked out to his bike. He pulled on his helmet and threw his leg over the saddle. He sat there for few seconds before starting the bike and pulling out of her drive. He should pick up his things and head out right now, he thought to himself. No use sticking around. She didn’t need his help. He rode around for nearly an hour, thinking. Finally, he drove over to Logan’s. He needed to be sure someone watched out for her. God knew she wouldn’t ask for help.

  * * * *

  “I told you he would come over. No way would he stay away,” Tina said.

  “Yeah, especially since you told him about Todd calling me. That was low,” Jenna admonished.

  “He wanted to know. He cares about you. Can’t you see that?” she asked.

  Jenna said nothing. She sipped the coffee she had ordered at the corner Starbucks. She had met Tina there at two that afternoon to talk. Her friend looked at her over her iced coffee. Jenna knew she could see right through her bravado.

  “He acted really weird when he came over this morning to talk to Logan. They disappeared for a couple of hours. What happened?” Tina asked.

  “We fought about Todd, and I flinched when he got close to me. It pissed him off I think.” Jenna felt bad about it now. “I couldn’t help it, Jenna. You know that.”

  “I know. But you have to know he would never hurt you.”

  “I know.”

  “So did you tell him that?” Tina asked.

  “No. He left, and I was too upset at the time.”

  “I think he’s leaving now.”

  “It’s my fault. I don’t know what I can do to make him stay. I don’t even know why I want him to stay.” Jenna leaned back in the chair.

  “Go tell him how you feel. That you know he wouldn’t hurt you, but you can’t help that you’re like you are. You’ve been hit too many times not to flinch when anyone moves too fast. Tell him before he leaves,” Tina pleaded.

  “He won’t listen to me now. Besides, he wants to go. He’s been here too long according to him.”

  Tina sighed and shook her head. “Fine. I’m not going to say anything else. You can make your own decisions.”

  She seemed to think for a few minutes then smiled.

  “Let’s go shopping tomorrow. Kendall’s is having a sale, and I have had my eye on this cute dress for awhile now. I hope they still have my size.”

  “That sounds like fun.” Jenna really didn’t feel like shopping, but Tina wanted to smooth things over.

  “Great. I’ll pick you up at nine in the morning,” Tina said.

  They finished up their coffee and talked about work. Tina hugged her, and they parted ways. Jenna did her grocery shopping then stopped by the post office for stamps. She was putting off going home. She admitted that to herself. She would just think about Riley and how he’d left. Yes, she felt guilty, and yes, she regretted not telling him she was sorry.

  Resigned to the inevitable, Jenna finally headed home. She pulled into her drive and sat for a few minutes before she got out and began unloading groceries. She had just made the last trip when the phone rang. She figured Tina had forgotten to tell her something and answered on the third ring.

  “Hello?”

  Nothing. She didn’t have any patience left and slammed the phone down again. She glared at it then put away her groceries. It was only six thirty, but she was tired. A short nap sounded really nice to her. She avoided the bed. It would still smell of Riley. Maybe she needed to change the sheets. She dismissed that idea and chose the couch instead. She stretched on the couch and willed herself to sleep. It didn’t work. She tossed and turned for a long while, thinking about Riley and how his hands felt holding her, stroking her back.

  Finally, she drifted off only to wake up groggy to someone knocking on the door. She sat up and rubbed her face with both hands. Who could it be? She glanced at her watch. She’d only been asleep for about an hour, so it wasn’t late. She shuffled over and unlocked the door. She should have looked before she opened the door. It was Todd. He pushed his way inside.

  “I just want to talk, and then I’ll leave.”

  “We have nothing to talk about. I’m going to call the police.” Jenna headed for the phone.

  Todd grabbed her arm. “No you’re not. I want to talk to you. Just hear me out, okay?”

  Jenna figured she didn’t have much choice anyway. He was inside, and he could easily overpower her if he wanted to.

  “Fine. Start talking.”

  “Let’s sit down, okay?” He shut the door then walked over to the chair across from the couch and took a seat.

  “All right.” Jenna perched on the edge of the couch. “So start talking.”

  “I’m really sorry for hurting you. I have no excuse.”

  “You’re damn right you don’t have an excuse.” Jenna huffed out a breath.

  “I’ve been going to an anger management group. I realized I have a problem.”

  Jenna nodded at him. “Good. I’m happy for you.”

  “I guess there isn’t any chance for us,” he said with a sad smile.

  “No, I’m sorry, but you killed any chance we might have had when you hit me. I told you when we started dating that I wasn’t going through that again.”

  “You did. I should have gotten the message then and realized that I needed help before I ever raised my hand against you.”

  He swallowed and stood up. “I can tell you don’t feel anything for me. I wanted to tell you how sorry I am and see if you would forgive me.” He shoved his hands into his pockets.

  “I can forgive you, Todd. I just can’t forget it. I’m sorry, but I don’t feel anything for you anymore. It’s over. Please don’t bother me anymore. No more phone calls,” Jenna said.

  “I haven’t called you except for that one time.”

  “Yes, you have. You call and don’t say anything,” she insisted.

  “I promise. I haven’t called you.” He took a step closer to her.

  Jenna backed away.

  He stopped and shook his head. “You’re scared I’m going to hurt you. I promise I would never raise my hand to you again.”

  “You need to leave now, Todd.” Jenna walked around the couch toward the door.

  Todd followed her to the door and stepped outside before he turned around. He seemed like he wanted to say something else. Jenna shook her head.

  “Good bye, Todd.” Then she closed the door and set the locks.

  The entire thing left her feeling empty inside. She was glad Todd was getting help,
but it didn’t matter. He had broken her trust. She wouldn’t give him another chance. She’d made that mistake with her ex-husband. Each time she went back because he swore he wouldn’t hit her again. But he hadn’t changed. When she finally got a divorce, he’d become even more abusive until he had nearly killed her.

  Jenna shuddered. There was no reason to dwell on that. It was over with. He was in prison and still had a couple of years to go. Todd wouldn’t be back. She was pretty sure of that. Neither would Riley. She sighed. She might as well go to bed. Tina would walk her to death tomorrow. She would need her strength. After pouring a glass of water, she took it to the bedroom with her. First she changed to her gown, and then she straightened the bed. She climbed into bed and groaned. Riley’s scent overwhelmed her. It curled around her. She buried her nose in his pillow, and the first tear fell followed by many more before she fell asleep.

  Hours later, she woke to the knowledge that someone was in her bedroom. She held her breath, hoping that whoever it was would think she was asleep and take whatever he wanted and leave. When he didn’t make any noise like he was searching through her things, Jenna knew he was there for her. Her heart beat hard in her chest, and she found it nearly impossible to breathe.

  “I know you’re awake. I told you I had changed, but you didn’t believe me. It wasn’t my fault I hurt you. You remember that now. It’s all your fault.”

  A hand grabbed her by the hair and pulled her from the bed. She gasped, trying to follow to keep him from pulling her hair out. It stung to the point of tears. She couldn’t believe she thought she was safe from him. She should have known better. If she lived through this, she would never feel safe again.

  Chapter Five

  “Where is she?” Riley demanded as he stomped into the house.

  Tina wrung her hands. “In the bathroom.”